The UK Government has launched a £28 million ($38 million) initiative to accelerate the development of ultra-long duration energy storage technologies, with the aim of strengthening energy security and reducing exposure to electricity price spikes.
The Ultra-Long Duration Energy Storage (Ultra-LDES) Challenge, launched on 20 August 2026, is backed by funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). It will support UK innovators developing technologies capable of storing and supplying clean electricity for 100 hours or more – enough to power homes and businesses for at least four days.
The challenge will focus on two areas: advanced battery technologies and underground hydrogen storage. The battery strand will support electrochemical technologies that have yet to be commercialised at scale, potentially giving UK companies an early position in a growing energy storage market.
The second area will investigate systems capable of storing hydrogen underground and releasing it when required. According to the initiative, this could reduce total energy system costs by between £14 billion and £50 billion between 2035 and 2050.
The Government said longer-duration storage will help capture renewable electricity when demand is low and release it when required, reducing dependence on gas-fired generation when wind and solar power are unavailable.
Science Minister Chris McDonald said:
“When we unlock the potential of science and innovation, it can improve all of our lives. That is what this challenge is all about; using the world class scientific expertise that we have in the UK to benefit people in every postcode.”
UKRI has also launched a competition offering up to £3 million for studies into electrochemical ultra-long duration storage technologies.
The programme forms part of £102 million in clean energy challenges, alongside a £74 million consumer-led flexibility challenge. The initiatives are intended to support technologies that can shift electricity use towards periods when power is cheaper.
The launch comes as Ofgem consults on plans to support 16 long-duration electricity storage projects, including new pumped storage hydropower developments.
